Mayor de Blasio to Keynote Internet Week New York 2014

March 27, 2014

In first major address to tech community, Mayor de Blasio to outline the role of the growing technology sector in NYC

NEW YORK—The de Blasio administration today announced that Mayor Bill de Blasio will deliver the keynote address during the opening session of Internet Week New York 2014 on Monday, May 19. Mayor de Blasio will present his vision for the role of the technology industry in New York City, address the unique nature of New York City’s technology community, and outline the administration’s plans to support and grow the city’s innovation economy.

“Technology is one of New York City’s most vibrant and vital industries, which is why I’m honored to outline my administration’s plans to bolster the city’s tech sector at Internet Week New York,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City has emerged as a global center for innovation, and my administration stands ready to ensure that we lead the world in technology growth, and that we’re developing and feeding the 21st century talent pipeline in New York City.”

“I applaud Internet Week New York for convening its seventh annual celebration of Internet business and digital culture,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “The technology industry is helping to advance innovation and create jobs across industry sectors in all five boroughs, making the industry a natural partner in this administration’s work to build one city, where everyone rises together. From training the next generation of engineers to increasing access to affordable housing and startup space, we will work to leverage all government resources to allow New York City’s digital economy to reach its full potential.”

In addition to Mayor de Blasio’s keynote address, NYC Digital, led by Digital Director Jessica Singleton, will host a series of discussions and workshops at Internet Week New York to further engage with the tech community. Housed within the Office of the Mayor, NYC Digital’s mission is to realize New York City government’s potential as the most digitally engaged city government in the world.

Mayor de Blasio’s address builds on Internet Week’s record of working closely with New York City government to support, promote and advance the city’s technology industry. The festival was founded in 2008 in cooperation with the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. In 2012, Internet Week New York, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, launched the Made in NY Digital Map, which visually tracks the growth of the industry and the employment opportunities it creates. The map currently features more than 1000 digital companies and more than 1,500 job opportunities.